McDonald’s has been named the number one limited-service restaurant brand in the United States in QSR magazine’s annual QSR 50, which ranks the top 50 limited-service restaurant chains.
QSR said in its report that, in the years leading up to 2015, McDonald’s “painted the picture of a kingdom in decline.” McDonald’s had lost their luster as clever competitors, such at Chick-fil-A, Panera, and Chipolte, stole market share, QSR said. However, the last year has demonstrated that there are signs of a turnaround at McDonald’s, with systemwide sales experiencing a roughly $350 million boost in 2015 and three straight quartes of comp-sales increases.
Under the direction of McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrooks, the company launched easy customization, which has expanded to more markets, and added all-day breakfast. All-day breakfast was not rolled out until October, but it helped McDonald’s to close 2015 on a high note.
Chick-fil-A ranked number one in the chicken segment (eight in the overall QRS 50 ranking) with $6,825.9 (millions) in 2015 systemwide sales; $3,977.3 in average sales per unit (thousands); 1,646 franchised units in 2015; and 337 company-owned units
Following are the top nine chains in the chicken segment in the QRS 50 ranking, available here.
- Chick-Fil-A
- KFC
- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
- Zaxby’s
- Bojangles’
- Church’s Chicken
- Wingstop
- El Pollo Loco
- Boston Market
